A resolution recognizing Mr. James E. Lawson for his service as a former member of the Metropolitan Nashville Planning Commission.

WHEREAS, Mr. Lawson has distinguished himself as a community leader of whom we can all be proud; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Lawson’s noteworthy 15-year career with the Metropolitan Nashville Planning Commission includes the last 8 years as Chairman; and

WHEREAS, throughout his service to the Metropolitan Nashville Planning Commission, James E. Lawson has demonstrated the utmost professionalism, ability, and integrity, winning the unbridled respect and admiration of his colleagues; and

WHEREAS, the leadership, commitment, and devotion that Mr. Lawson, has shown speak volumes about his desire to improve the quality of life for the area’s residents; and

WHEREAS, the Mission of the Planning Department is to provide education, information, recommendation, and leadership products to citizens of Nashville so they can enjoy a quality of life enriched by choices in housing and transportation, efficient use of public infrastructure, distinctive community character, and a robust civic life by creating land use policies that ensure development meets these criteria; and

WHEREAS, during his tenure as Chairman, he oversaw the: recruitment of new leadership for the Planning Department, the creation of a Downtown Development Plan for Nashville, development of new planning policies such as Urban Design Overlays, Special Purpose Zoning, Cluster Lot Options and a re-write of the zoning ordinances, inclusion of lot dedication for public schools in developments that significantly distress school capacity, enhanced public input by changing meeting times and allowing expanded public comments, held forums with developers and council representatives to allow for direct communications and met with every Planning Department staff personnel to engage in ideas; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Lawson, has been instrumental in assisting with the negotiations of significant planning issues such as the Downtown Community Plan, Institutional Overlays, area community plan development and the re-districting of Davidson County, and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council recognizes Mr. James E. Lawson, for his service and wish him every continued success in his future endeavors.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as recognizing Mr. James E. Lawson for his service as a former member of the Metropolitan Nashville Planning Commission.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Council Office is directed to prepare a copy of this Resolution to be presented to Mr. James E. Lawson.

Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.